EP1467340A1 - Method for generation of an image - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for producing an image on a snow surface using a spray device (11), whereby the spray device is moved over the surface on which the image is to be produced. A cyclical process comprising the following steps is repeated a number of times: determination of the position of the spray device, spraying of an ink, especially a liquid ink onto the surface in a position dependent manner and movement of the spray device to a further surface location. An independent claim is made for a device for generating an image on a show surface that has a spray device and position determining means (8.1, 8.2, 9).

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a method and a device for generating an image, in particular an advertising message in a winter sports area.

State of the art

It has long been known in sports stadia gangs, the z. B. a playing field for football or ice hockey, with lettering, logos and pictures to provide the most Promotional character. Often this ad does not only reach the one present during the game Audience, but by means of television broadcasts a much larger group of people.

At ski sport and other winter sports events, which often also spread on television printable bands can only be applied to a limited extent. Safety nets at the edge of the slopes are z. B. for technical reasons usually designed so that printing is not possible in a way that makes advertising messages from a larger one Distance could be detected. In winter sports areas advertising can therefore often only be spread over conventional, erected signs. But these often lead to Disabilities and can usually be placed only in places that are barely viewed can be. Another option is to open up printed tarpaulins the ground. However, these are also poorly visible and can only be found in places attach, which are off the slope and the auditorium. Big printed Tarpaulins are also expensive and must be elaborately anchored against wind influence.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is a belonging to the aforementioned technical field To provide a method of attaching and distributing advertising in winter sports areas improved.

a) Bestimmen einer Position der Sprühvorrichtung;

b) Aufsprühen von Farbe, insbesondere flüssiger Farbe, auf die Fläche, abhängig von der bestimmten Position;

c) Bewegen der Sprühvorrichtung an einen weiteren Ort auf der Fläche.

The solution of the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the image is generated on a surface of snow by means of a spraying device, wherein first the spraying device is moved to a first location on the surface, whereupon a cyclic process is carried out several times, comprising the following steps:

a) determining a position of the spraying device;

b) spraying paint, in particular liquid paint, on the surface, depending on the particular position;

c) moving the sprayer to another location on the surface.

Winter sports areas typically have large snow areas. All these Surfaces can be used as advertising space with the method according to the invention. there no obstruction of users of the snow surface, z. Skiers, or by spectators a winter sports event. The picture can be inexpensively and extremely Generate large area and is resistant to wind influence. A removal of one once generated image is not necessary: as long as the advertising message is to remain, In order to refresh the image, the process according to the invention must be carried out regularly be, for. B. once a week. Depending on weather conditions, the interval be adjusted. If the refresh is no longer performed, the picture disappears after a certain time due to the weather itself.

The application of the method is not based on the generation of advertising messages limited. Sponsoring information or location information can also be used for orientation the winter sportsman or tourist generate. Also directional information, warning and Signs on ski slopes, cross-country trails, winter hiking trails, etc. can be with produce the inventive method.

The spray device is preferred on a vehicle, in particular a snow groomer or a snowmobile, with the spray device connected to the vehicle is moved over the surface. With a motorized vehicle can be large Move surfaces in a short time, so that large-scale images are generated in the snow can be seen far and wide. Snow groomers and snowmobiles are in Winter sports areas usually present, allowing for the implementation of the inventive method no purchase of an additional, expensive vehicle is necessary. A retrofit of the existing vehicles whose operation also the familiar to local employees is sufficient. The retrofitting of snow groomers (Snow groomers) with special tools, z. As rollers, blades, etc., is common. groomers Moreover, they have a large width, so that with a spray device, the Substantially covers their width, even large images are generated in a short time can. Snowmobiles, on the other hand, are more flexible in use and especially in use smaller pictures easier, cheaper and faster in use.

Alternatively, a correspondingly compact spray device can be mounted on a carriage, a carriage or a support frame, which manually over the snow surface can be moved.

Advantageously, the determination of the position by means of a navigation system, in particular GPS or GLONASS. Such systems allow a fast, accurate and absolute determination of the position and are inexpensive. They do not require local Installations for defining a location reference. Are the position data of the to be generated Once the image has been determined, the process can be performed as often as desired at the same location be, the color is always sprayed in the same places. This simplifies that Refreshing a previously sprayed image.

The application thus also extends to the marking of slope boundaries. Produced by a method according to the invention, designed as continuous lines, Limitations have the advantage over the usual posts that they Piste users everywhere show the edge of the slope and not only in certain places, the are marked by posts. The risk of unknowingly marking the marked runway in the fog leave is avoided. With the help of the navigation system, the slope limitation reliably renewed regularly. The optimal safety when marking the Pistenrands offers a combination of conventional poles with the through-going marked line.

Alternatively, other navigation systems available at the point of use may be used become. Also, an orientation with respect to locally arranged reference points, z. B. Infrared, radio or microwave transmitter is suitable for position determination.

Preferably, in the cyclic process, the position of the spray device, which determines has been saved. The spraying of the paint then depends on the already stored positions. This will allow the spray device several times can be moved to the same place on the surface, without a multiple Spraying of paint takes place. Rather, due to the storage of all already covered areas of the area known which games are already colored. Next Unnecessary consumption of color is thereby prevented, too Color distribution on the surface of snow arises. The operator of the spraying device can therefore move it arbitrarily over the area of snow, the only condition for a complete picture is that each area of the area at least once through the Spray device has been covered.

Alternatively, the storage of the position data of the already covered areas remain under. In this case, it is advantageous if the spray device by the operator manually switched on and off. The operator then becomes the sprayer Always switch off when he passes an already covered area again. The spray device is also in this case with advantage regularly, z. B. along of parallel straight paths, moving across the surface, allowing each part of the surface as possible happens exactly once.

Advantageously, the instantaneous velocity of the spray device with respect to Surface determined and the spray performance with which the color is sprayed, to the adapted to instantaneous speed. Namely, the sprayer with a high speed over the surface of snow process, results at constant Spray rate a lower color density than at a lower speed. The Adjustment of the amount of sprayed paint (or the spray rate) leads to a uniform Color application and thus to a constant color density.

Alternatively, the speed at which the spray device extends across the surface can be Snow is moved, fixed, z. B. by means of a cruise control for the Sprayer carrying vehicle.

Preferably, the image is generated by displaying image data as a function of angles between the surface of snow and a given direction of observation are distorted. Looking from a certain angle on an image arranged on a snow surface is, arise depending on the angle certain distortions. In most cases, however given certain preferred observation positions and thereby certain preferred Observation directions. By a corresponding distortion of the aufzusprühenden Image emerges for observers who are approximately along the given observation direction stop, a rectified image, so a picture that seems to stand upright, without shortening in any direction. On the one hand, this improves readability and / or recognizability of the image, on the other hand acts such, seemingly obliquely Picture standing on the snow surface more conspicuous than one that is obviously flat on the surface Snowfield is lying. The distortion can also be used to certain three-dimensional To create effects.

Preferred viewing directions result from preferred locations of Observers, z. B. towns, cable or gondola lifts or other means of transport, Ski slopes, inns, etc. For advertising are particularly interesting in this regard but also locations of television cameras (eg in sports broadcasts), webcams, Weather cameras etc.

If the images are to be clearly visible from widely different directions, or if the observers see almost perpendicular to the snow surface, it is preferred apart from a distortion.

Advantageously, liquid food coloring is used as the color. Liquid color connects works best with the snow and is technically the easiest to spray. Food coloring is well suited for coloring snow surfaces and also has the Advantage on that a health damage of persons or animals or a Damage to plants is excluded.

Alternatively, other types of liquid dyes or even solid colors (pigment particles) be used.

An apparatus for forming an image on a surface of snow includes position determining means for determining a position of the device, spraying means for Spraying paint onto the surface and control means for automatically controlling the Spraying agent depending on the specific position.

The device advantageously has means for attaching the device to a snow vehicle, especially a snow groomer or a snowmobile. Common snow groomers have fastening devices on which easily and quickly special tools (such as rollers, blades, etc.) can be attached and removed. The means for attachment are thus preferably adapted to this fastening devices, so that the device can be easily retrofitted. Even snowmobiles often have usable Fasteners, such. B. towbars on.

The device according to the invention is preferably adapted to a specific vehicle type and has sprays that cover approximately the width of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the device according to the invention has its own means with which it over the snow surface can be moved, z. B. rollers, rollers or runners. Depending on size it may include an engine for assistance. Optionally, the device can open a carrying device, for. B. in the manner of a backpack, be arranged.

The position-determining means preferably comprise a receiver for a navigation system, especially for GPS or GLONASS. Such receivers are easily available, essentially maintenance-free and cost-effective. Especially when used differential GPS In addition, they offer a very high accuracy, resulting in a high resolution of the image to be sprayed on.

Particularly preferably, the position determining means comprise at least two, from each other spaced receiver for the navigation system. this makes possible in addition to determining the position, also determining the orientation of the device, without information about previous positions or about driving speeds needed. Thereby, the control of the spray can be further improved.

Preferably, the control means comprises storage means for storing certain Positions and means for automatically controlling the spraying means depending on the stored Positions.

Advantageously, the device also has means for determining a current one Speed of the device with respect to the surface, wherein the control means Means for controlling the spraying means in dependence on the determined instantaneous speed include. The means for determining the current speed can with the receiver for the navigation system or with already existing on a vehicle Speedometers cooperate or be independent of it. The Means for controlling the spray can z. B. controllable valves or controllable pumps include.

Preferably, the control means comprises means for distorting image data in dependence of angles between the surface and a given direction of observation.

Alternatively, the image data may be preceded, e.g. B. on a personal computer (PC) edited and be distorted. The feeding of the processed data to the control means takes place in a conventional manner, for. B. by means of data carriers such as data cards, CD-ROMs or DVDs, wired via a data cable or wirelessly via GSM, UMTS, WLAN etc.

From the following detailed description and the totality of the claims result in further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of Invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

Eine schematische Darstellung einer Pistenraupe mit der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung der Pistenraupe in Draufsicht;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Sprühvorrichtung in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung der Schaltung einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung;

Fig. 5A-C

eine schematische Darstellung des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens;

Fig. 6A

eine schematische Darstellung eines Schriftzugs, erzeugt mit dem erfindungsgemässen Verfahren, gesehen aus einer vorbestimmten Beobachtungsposition;

Fig. 6B

eine schematische Darstellung des Schriftzugs, aufgesprüht auf eine Schneefläche.

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

Fig. 1

A schematic representation of a snowcat with the inventive device in side view;

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of the snowcat in plan view;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a spraying device in side view;

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of the circuit of an inventive device;

Fig. 5A-C

a schematic representation of the inventive method;

Fig. 6A

a schematic representation of a lettering produced by the inventive method, seen from a predetermined observation position;

Fig. 6B

a schematic representation of the lettering, sprayed on a snow surface.

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

Ways to carry out the invention

Figures 1 and 2 are schematic representations of a snowcat with the inventive Device in side view or in plan view. The snowcat 1 is on known. It has on its underside each side a bead 2 and 3, which in each case over several roles 4 runs. At the front end of the snowcat 1 is a driver's cab 5 arranged, in which arranged all controls for the snowcat 1 are. On its upper side, the snowcat 1 has a loading area 6. Depending on Using the snowcat 1, this bed 6 can accommodate certain attachments such as cabins, carry hinged rollers, etc.

The device 7 according to the invention for producing an image on a snow surface includes two GPS receivers 8.1 and 8.2., a controller 9, a color tank 10, a Sprayer 11, as well as a line 12. The first GPS receiver 8.1 is centered on arranged at the front end of the loading area 6, the second GPS receiver 8.2 is centered on attached to the rear end of the loading area 6. Above the first GPS receiver is 8.1 the controller 9 is arranged. This essentially comprises a standard PC (staff Computer), which is protected by a housing from cold, moisture and vibration. The Power supply of the controller 9 via the vehicle battery. The color tank 10 is mounted centrally on the cargo bed. It includes four individual tanks for the colors black, yellow, cyan and magenta. By means of the line 12, which according to four separate Has channels, the color tank 10 is connected to the spray device 11.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a spraying device 11 in side view. The spraying device is surrounded by a housing 13 and comprises at its upper Side an input 14 for the line 12 and an input 15 for the control line 16, with which the spray device 11 is controlled. The control line 16 branches at the entrance 15, inside the housing 13 in a spray head control line 16.1 and in a drive control line 16.2.

The line 12 for the color and the spray head control line 16.1 are inside the Housing 13 is guided in a channel 17, which is open at the top. In front of the channel 17 is a toothed belt 18 is arranged, which is guided over two rollers 19, 20. The role 19 is driven by a stepper motor 20, which of the drive control line 16.2 is controlled on the one hand and on the other hand is supplied with energy. By means of the Stepping motor 20 and the toothed belt 18, the spray head 21, which on Timing belt 18 is fixed, along the spray device 11 to move longitudinally back and forth.

The length of the line 12 and the spray head control line 16.1, which in the channel 17th are guided and exit through a breakthrough along the bottom of the channel 17, is chosen so that the movement of the spray head 21 is not hindered.

The spray head 21 has on its underside four nozzle rows 22, one for each Colors black, yellow, cyan and magenta. It is mounted on a longitudinal rail 23. The Sprayer 11 thus operates essentially in the manner of a conventional Inkjet printer, but it is sized about 5-10 times larger.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the circuit of an inventive device Device. The spray device 11 is controlled by the controller 9 via the control line 16 controlled. The controller 9 comprises a computer, essentially a conventional one portable personal computer (notebook), which storage means 9.1 for storing the required data, in particular image data and position information, control means 9.2 for Controlling the spray device 11, in particular a corresponding device driver and processing means 9.3 for processing the position information. This Position information is sent via data lines 24.1, 24.2 from the two GPS receivers 8.1, 8.2 transmitted to the controller 9.

Because both the position of the front GPS receiver 8.1, as well as the position of the rear GPS receiver 8.2, it is possible, in addition to the position of the Snow groomer also to determine their orientation. So it's always well known which area of the spray device 11 is just covered.

The controller 9 further includes software 9.4 for controlling the overall process. This runs on a central control unit 9.5 and controls in particular which Parts of the image to be sprayed have already been generated. For this, the corresponding, position data obtained by the processing means 9.3 in the storage means 9.1 filed. In the central control unit 9.5 then takes place at each position a comparison with the stored previous position data, which indicates whether the spray device 11 must be activated. The central control unit 9.5 also provides the Processing of stored in the storage means 9.1 image and position data Control data for the spray device 11, which continue to transmit to the control means 9.2 become.

Finally, in the controller 9 and an interface 9.6 included. This has funds to receive new image data, position data and new software. such Data can be transferred via a storage medium, eg. As a floppy disk, CD-ROM or DVD, in the corresponding Drive of the personal computer can be read. Optionally they will wired, z. B. via a USB interface or Ethernet to the controller. 9 transmit, or there are means for wireless reception of data, eg. Via GSM or Bluetooth provided.

The movement of the spray head is controlled so that during a continuous movement the snow groomer, the entire surface, which is traveled by the snow groomer, from the spray device is covered. For this purpose, the spray head has a certain spray depth, which corresponds to the length of a nozzle row. During the transverse movement of the spray head In one direction, the nozzles are active and thus generate due to the forward movement the snow groomer a slightly sloping, sprayed track. The return movement of the Spray head, which is not sprayed, takes place very quickly, so in that time the snowcat travels only a short distance. The next sprayed train is running then parallel to the first track. So no empty stripes between the sprayed webs occur, the velocities of the spray head as well as the speed of the Pistenraupe adapted to the spray depth (as well as the current width of the spray area, the can be smaller than the maximum possible width).

Figures 5A-5C are a schematic representation of the inventive method. A picture, in the example shown, the lettering 25 "SnowStar" is on a track by train created the snow surface. The track width corresponds essentially to the width of the Sprayer 11, which is arranged at the rear end of the snowcat 1. The way, which describes the snowcat 1 on the surface is arbitrary, because as soon as a If the section that has already been edited is redone, the controller disables Sprayer 11. As soon as the spray device 11 back into a still unprocessed If the region is moved, it is reactivated by the controller. Depending on the condition of course, it can still be beneficial to to choose the path so that every area of the area is passed only once, if possible so that the already sprayed areas are optimally preserved and not by the caterpillars be edited again. Especially in snowy areas, which are limited at the edge are, for. As by trees, rocks or steep slopes, such a way is often not possible.

Figure 6A shows a schematic representation of a lettering, seen from a predetermined observation position, z. B. a camera location in a sports broadcast. The lettering 25 has been sprayed on a snow surface 26, which is located on a slope 27. The predetermined observation position is on the left Below the snow surface in one direction, which is an angle of about 35 ° to Normal of the snow surface 26 includes. The lettering appears from this observation position (and other observation positions along the observation direction) upright and properly proportioned.

Figure 6B shows a schematic representation of the lettering 25, as he on the Snow surface 26 is sprayed, as seen from a position vertically above the Snow surface 26, from the same distance as the observation position in Figure 6A. So that he offers the desired sight from the predetermined observation position, the lettering 25 has been distorted for spraying. His horizontal axis 28 and his Vertical axis 29 include an angle, in addition, the lettering along the Both axes 28, 29 stretched to compensate for the apparent loss of length, which resulting from the oblique observation direction. The picture appears the predetermined direction of observation completely, from all arising angles, equalized.

The inventive device, especially the controller, the color tank and the Sprayer, can be integrated into a single unit, preferably at the rear End of the loading area of the snowcat is arranged. This simplifies the attachment and the removal of the device, which is particularly advantageous when the snowcat incidentally (or mainly) to their usual tasks, such as is used. One of the GPS receiver is in this variant with advantage also in the Integrated unit, while the second is attached at a certain distance from it.

With regard to the arrangement of the various parts of the device are also other variants possible. The controller can z. B. be integrated into the cab, so that they better Protected from the weather and requires a less complex housing. The Optionally, the device can also be remotely controlled; d. h., the main body of the Control, in particular the central control unit, the software, the interface and the Storage means are independent of the snowcat, z. B. in a company building, arranged and communicate with the inventive device z. By radio, GSM or another wireless channel.

The snow groomer may also have special means for preparing the snow surface for the Spraying the paint, z. B. rollers with a certain surface structure, which are arranged in the direction of travel in front of the spraying device. Such rollers pave the Snow surface and, where appropriate, produce a surface texture, which is suitable for recording the color or for viewing the final image is optimally suited.

Further, the snowcat can additional means for reworking the sprayed area include. Such means, for. B. different types of rollers, support z. B. the incorporation of sprayed paint in the snow surface, as it were to fix the sprayed Colour.

Optionally, the spraying device can also be located elsewhere on the snow groomer be arranged, for. B. front or side. The arrangement behind the caterpillars is but Therefore, because of the machined, colored portion of the snow surface no longer has to be driven by the vehicle.

Finally, the spray device can be built or controlled differently. instead a single along the entire width of the vehicle movable spray head can several movable spray heads cover the vehicle width. This allows for same speed of the spray head, a higher speed of the vehicle. Instead of the movable spray head can be provided a transverse row of nozzles which covers the entire vehicle width. Spraying systems and procedures off the field of inkjet printing, but also from the airbrush technique be used. The control of the spray device can also be done so that during both transverse movements of the spray head color is discharged. If trains be generated, which are exactly transverse to the direction of travel of the vehicle, the Sprühvorrichtung be arranged obliquely, adapted to the speed of the Vehicle. Depending on the image to be sprayed, there may be a smaller or larger one Number of colors to be used, e.g. B. for monochrome images or for images with Special effects (silver or gold colors, fluorescent colors).

Smaller dimensioned, but in principle similar constructed devices are suitable for Attachment to other vehicles, eg. B. on snowmobiles.

In summary, it should be noted that the invention relates to a method and a device to create an image that allows the attachment and distribution of advertising in Improve winter sports areas.

Claims (14)

A method of generating an image (25) on a snow surface (26) by means of a spraying device (11), wherein first the spraying device (11) is moved to a first location on the surface (26), then cycled several times which includes the following steps: a) determining a position of the spray device (11); b) spraying paint, in particular liquid paint, on the surface (26), depending on the particular position; c) moving the spray device (11) to another location on the surface (26). Method according to claim 1, wherein the spraying device (11) is mounted on a vehicle (1), in particular a snow groomer or a snowmobile, and wherein the spraying device (11) travels with the vehicle (1) over the surface (26) becomes. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination of the position by means of a Navigation system, in particular GPS or GLONASS, takes place. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cycle further comprises the steps of: d) storing the specific position of the spraying device (11), e) spraying the paint depending on the already stored positions. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the steps of: f) determining a current velocity of the spray device (11) relative to the surface (26); g) adjusting a spraying power, with which the paint is sprayed out, to the instantaneous speed. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of: h) generating the image (25) by distorting image data as a function of angles between the surface (26) and a predetermined viewing direction. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein as a color liquid food coloring is used. Apparatus for producing an image (25) on a surface (26) of snow, with Position determining means (8.1, 8.2, 9.3) for determining a position of Apparatus, spraying means (11) for spraying paint onto the surface (26) and Control means (9) for automatically controlling the spraying means (11) in Dependence of the specific position. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by means for attaching the device to a snow vehicle (1), in particular to a snow groomer or a snowmobile. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the position determining means comprise a receiver (8.1) for a navigation system, in particular GPS or GLONASS. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the position determining means comprise at least two spaced-apart receiver (8.1, 8.2) for the navigation system. Device according to one of claims 8-11, characterized in that the control means (9) comprise storage means (9.1) for storing certain positions and means (9.2, 9.4, 9.5) for automatically controlling the spraying means (11) in dependence on the stored positions. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized by means for determining an instantaneous speed of the apparatus with respect to the area (26), the control means (9) comprising means for controlling the spraying means in dependence on the determined instantaneous speed. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the control means (9) comprise means for distorting image data as a function of angles between the surface (26) and a predetermined direction of observation.

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